rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryderelictAbandoned or neglected
adjective / noun

derelict

DER-uh-likt/ˈderəlɪkt/

Left neglected through failure of care or duty.

The derelict house has broken windows, a collapsing roof, and weeds across its entrance.

An abandoned small house with a partially collapsed roof, broken windows, a hanging door, and weeds overtaking the entrance visibly combines desertion, prolonged neglect, and deterioration.
Etymology
deLatinentirely
+reLatinback
+lictLatinleave

The pieces convey being left entirely behind. Originally used especially of abandoned vessels, the word connects poor condition with abandonment by an owner or guardian.

In context

Columbia GSAPP117:43
the derelict house in a neighborhood that was otherwise quite lived in
Fitch Colloquium Ex-Situ: On Moving Monuments – Introduction and Panel #1 of 3: Urban Moves

More examples

  • The abandoned ship is a rusting derelict.
  • The landlord is derelict in his duty to maintain safe housing.
  • Calling a homeless person a derelict is disparaging.

Forms

derelict · derelicts

dereliction noun — Serious neglect of a duty or responsibility.

Similar words

abandoned
Emphasizes being left behind rather than deterioration through neglect.
neglected
Emphasizes insufficient care without necessarily implying complete abandonment.
negligent
Describes someone failing to exercise proper care or responsibility.